Machine for cutting slugs and positioning them on transfer sheets



April 6, 1954 Filed Sept. 27, 1951 THEM ON TRANSFER SHEETS 8 Shegts-Sheet l INVENTOR. @wf/v hf Ie/.swam

April 6, 1954 GRISWQLD 2,674,311

MACHINE FOR TTING SLUGS AND POSITIONING THEM ON TRANSFER SHEETS Filed Sept. 27, 1951 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN VEN TOR. @wf-N H (7x/.swam

BY M, @A7-LM ATTYE.,

H. GRISWOLD MACHINE FOR CUTTING SLUGS AND POSITIONING THEM ON TRANSFER SHEETS Filed Sept. 27. 1951 April 6, 1954 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 mw T m5 #A Vf d M .N

0 3v. a BM April 6, 1954 o. H. GRlswoLD 2,674,311

MACHINE EoR CUTTING sLuGs AND PosITIoNING THEM oN TRANSFER SHEETS Filed sept. 27, 1951 a sheets-sheet 4 v l E Ll Hq HB f l //0 f L 6 faQ IN V EN TOR.

owf/v ,y wwf/5 WOL D BY MM7LM f ATTN/5 April 6, 1954 o. H. GRlswoLD 2,674,311

MACHINE EOE CUTTING SLUGS AND POSITIONING THEN oN TRANSFER SHEETS April 6, 1954 TRANSFER SHEETS Filed Sept. 27, 1951 lll 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR. @Wi/V H ife/.SWUL'D ATTYE April 6, 1954 o. H. GRlswoLD MACHINE FOR CUTTING sLUGs AND PosTTToNING THEM oN TRANSFER SHEETS 8 ySheetsf-Sheel 7 Filed Sept. 27, 1951 Illl// ATT-YE.

plll 6, 1954 Q H, GRlSWOLD 2,674,311 v MACHINE FOR CUTTING SLUGS AND POSITIONING THEM ON TRANSFER SHEETS Filed Sept. 27, 1951 8 Sheets-Sheet faz /64 ZOZ INVENTOR. 20o 3/ OWF/V H. fps/5 wam Q7 77 m, @www Patented Apr. 6, 1954 MACHINE FOR CUTTING SLUGS AND POSI- TIIONING THEM N TRANSFER SHEETS Owen H. Griswold, Paramus, N. J., assignor to Technical Rubber Company, Johnstown, Ohio,

a iirm Application September 27, 1951, Serial N0. 248,484

19 Claims. 1

My invention relates to a machine for cutting slugs and positioning them on transfer sheets. It has to do, more particularly, with a machine which will die-cut or punch slugs from a strip or sheet of heavy tacky rubber stock and will position the slugs in a predetermined order on a transfer sheet or decalcomania sheet which bears trade-marks or other desired data to be transferred to the slugs.

My machine is capable of many uses but I shall describe it as being used for die-cutting from a strip of heavy sticky or tacky uncured rubber stock, slugs or discs which can be used in producing rubber patches for pneumatic tubes. Obviously, it is desirable to apply to each patch a trade-mark or other identifying data and my machine is designed not only to punch out slugs from the rubber stock but also to position them on a transfer sheet, which has a plurality of printed trade-marks thereon, so that each slug is positioned over a trade-mark.

One of the objects of my invention is to provide a machine of the type indicated above which is capable of handling the sticky heavy rubber stock, which obviously because of its sticky nature is difcult to handle, and in fact to provide a machine which utilizes the adhesive quality of the stock to advantage in operating and controlling the machine.

Another object of my invention is to provide a machine of the type indicated which, when set for automatic operation, is completely automatic after the stock and transfer sheet are properly positioned thereon.

Another object of my invention is to provide a machine of the type indicated which is so designed that the particular transfer sheet being used determines the timing of the cutting mechanism and determines the indexing of the slugs on the transfer sheet thereby making the machine adaptable to the punching of different sizes and shapes of slugs and the proper positioning of the slugs on the marks of a transfer sheet provided for a particular size and shape of slug.

Another object of my invention is to provide a machine wherein the strip of stock is in roll form when mounted on the machine and the mechanism for feeding the stock utilizes the adhesive nature of the stock and functions to feed constantly and uniformly regardless of the circumference of said roll and in such a manner that there will be no sagging, buckling or Wrinkling of the strip.

Still another object of my invention is to provide a machine of the type indicated above wherein the cutting mechanism can be changed readily to produce slugs of diiferent sizes and shapes.

A further object of my invention is to provide a machine of the type indicated wherein the mechanism for feeding the stock can be adjusted readily for various sizes and shapes of slugs to be punched.

Another object of my invention is to provide a machine of the type indicated above which will punch the slugs from the strip of stock in such a manner that the most economical use of the stock will result and the scrap material will be kept to a minimum regardless of the size and shape of the particular slugs being formed.

A further object of my invention is to provide a machine wherein the scrap material is saved in the form of a convenient roll for salvage.

Another object of my invention is to provide a machine wherein the die-cutters and associated stripping mechanism are especially designed to handle the sticky stock and slugs without jamming.

According to my invention, I provide a machine which includes an elongated base or table having an endless belt conveyor extending from one end thereof to the other. Intermediate the ends of this table and extending transversely thereof is the slug-forming unit which includes die-cutting mechanism with associated slug-stripping mechanism. The stock is fed by a suitable unit to the slug-forming unit from one side thereof in one direction and the transfer sheet is fed in an opposed direction beneath such unit from the opposite side thereof. The die-cutting mechanism is actuated to punch out or cut the slugs from the stock and the stripping mechanism is then actuated to strip the slugs from the cutting mechanism and position them properly on the transfer sheet, each slug being positioned over a trade-mark or other mark on the sheet.

The particular transfer sheet being used determines the timing of the slug-forming unit and the stock-feeding unit. The trade-marks on the transfer sheet will be arranged in transverse staggered rows and these will correspond with the arrangement of the transverse rows of cooperating dies and anvils of the slug-forming unit. Thus, when the slugs are deposited on the sheet, each will be positioned over a trade-mark.

` The staggered row arrangement results in highest possible efficiency of the area of the transfer sheet and the, area of the stock strip which is punched and the slugs deposited on the transfer sheet all will be equidistant from each other to facilitate subsequent operations of forming patches from the slugs. The timing of the machine is determined by indexing marks on the transfer sheet. The machine can be set for automatic or hand operation.

The preferred embodiment of my invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein similar characters of reference designate corresponding parts and wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view taken at one side of a machine embodying my invention.

Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective View taken at the other side of the machine showing the slug-forming unit of the machine.

Figure 3 is a transverse sectional View through the machine, taken at the side of the slug-forming unit Where the stock is fed.

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along line llof Figure 3.

Figure 5 is an enlarged detail in transverse section showing the transfer sheet clamping unit.

Figure 6 is a vertical sectional lview taken along line 3 5 of Figure 5.

Figure '7 is an enlarged detailed perspective view of the belt driving unit and the stock-feeding unit and associated structure.

Figure '1a is a detail of the overriding clutch forming a part of the stock-feeding unit shown in Figure '1.

Figure 8 is an enlarged detail in plan showing switch actuating arms associated with the slugforming unit.

Figure 9 is an enlarged detail, mainly in side elevation, showing the switch-actuating arms in one position.

Figures 10 and 11 are similar views showing the actuating arms in two subsequent successive positions.

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2 1 2 of Figure 15 through some of the stripping plungers and associated cutting members showing their relative cross-sectional shapes.

Figures 13 to 16 are enlarged detailed views, mainly in vertical section, showing successive positions of the cutting anvils and the stripping plungers during the operating cycle of the machine.

Figure 17 is a diagrammatic view showing the electrical circuit and fluid circuit of the machine.

With reference to the drawings, in Figure 1, I have illustrated the general arrangement of my machine. This machine includes an elongated base or table 20 having an endless belt conveyor 2| extending from one end thereof to the other. This conveyor 2| includes a belt 22 which is supported in the usual manner (not shown) at the top of table 2!) on transverse rolls carried by the table. Intermediate the ends of this table and extending transversely thereof is the slug-forming unit 23 which is disposed perpendicular to the path of movement of the belt. The conveyor belt passes beneath this slug-forming unit 23 towards the right or rear (Figure 1) as indicated by the arrow.

As shown in Figure 7, the conveyor 2| is driven by means of a sprocket 24 which is keyed on the end of a shaft 25 that carries one of the conveyor belt-supporting rolls. This sprocket 24 is driven by an upwardly extending chain 26 through the medium of a yieldable clutch 21 associated with a sprocket 28. The sprocket 28 is continuously driven by means of the output shaft 29 of a gear reduction unit 3|) which is coupled to an electric driving motel' 3|. The motor 3| and gear unit are supported by a shelf 20a spaced below the top of the table 20. The clutch 21 includes a. torsion spring 32 which has one end anchored to the shaft 29 and the other end attached to the sprocket 28. The sprocket 28 is rotatably mounted on the shaft 29. Suicient resistance to movement of the conveyor belt 22 will cause the torsion spring 32 to wind up on the shaft 29, since the shaft will continue to rotate within the now stationary sprocket 28. Thus, the belt 22 is ordinarily driven continuously but can be stopped for a limited period, without disconnecting the drive from the motor 3|, by actuation of the yieldable clutch 21.

The stock from which the slugs are to be formed is supported at and fed from the rear or right hand end of the machine, with reference to Figure 1. The stock is in the form of a roll of heavy sticky rubber material, as previously indicated. It is supported on a transverse mandrel or rod 33 which merely rests in notches formed in the upper ends of supporting standards 34 (Figure 1) which extend upwardly from the table 20 at the rear end thereof and are rigidly secured to the sides thereof. Before entering the slug-forming unit 23, the strip of material is passed beneath an idler guide roller 35 which extends transversely of the table and is supported by brackets 35a carried thereby at a level slightly above the upper portion of the belt 22. This strip of stock is passed through the unit 23, as will be explained more in detail later, and after the slugs are formed therefrom, the waste material of the strip is wound on a transversely disposed rod or mandrel 36, as shown best in Figure 2 where the strip is indicated by the letter S. The mandrel 36 has its ends resting on the inclined edges 31 of brackets 38 which are rigidly attached to the upper portion of the table 20 just slightly forward or to the left (Figure 1) of the unit 23, one of these brackets being disposed outside each edge of the conveyor belt 22. The edges 31 are inclined downwardly and rearwardly.

Between the brackets 3B and the lower portion of the unit 23, a transversely extending driven feed roll 39 (Figure l) is provided. This feed roll is rotatably carried by bearings M disposed at opposite sides of the table just behind brackets 38 and one of which is illustrated in Figure 2. Thus, the roll of waste material which is wound on the rod 35 is always in contact with the feed roll 39 regardless of the size of the roll of waste material. It will be understood that the Weight of the roll of waste material holds it against the feed roll 39 since the rod 35 is free to slide down the inclined edges 31 of brackets 38. Thus, the sticky nature of the stock is used to advantage in feeding the strip S of material. The feed roll 39 will positively drive the roll of waste material, due to the sticky nature of the material. Whenever the roll 39 is driven, the strip of stock S will be pulled through the slug-forming unit constantly and uniformly, it being obvious that the Strip will be under tension so that there will be no danger of the strip sagging, buckling or wrinkling. The feed will be constant and uniform during the periods of rotation of the roll 39, regardless of the size of the roll of stock supported by bar 33, which roll is being unwound, and regardless of the size of the roll of the waste material which is being wound on the rod 35. Rubber shock cords 39a (indicated at one side in Figure 2) may be passed around each end of the mandrel 36 to aid in holding the waste roll down against driving rolls 39 especially when the waste roll is light at the starting of a new roll.

The roll 39 is driven only at proper intervals by means of the stock-feeding unit 4| which is shown in detail in Figures '1 and 7a. That end of the shaft 42 shown in Figures 2 and 7 which supports the roll 39, is provided with a drive sprocket 43 which is driven by means of a chain 44. This chain 44 passes downwardly and around the sprocket 45 of an overriding clutch 46 which is carried by a transverse shaft 41. This shaft 41 is mounted in bearings 48 (one of which is shown) mounted on the shelf 29a below the top of the table. The clutch 46 may take various forms but is shown as including a ratchet wheel 49 (Figure 7a) which is keyed to the shaft 41. This wheel 49 is engaged by a. pawl 50 which is pivoted intermediate an arm 5| that is mounted on shaft 41 for swinging movement. The upper end of arm 5| is pivoted to the outer end of a longitudinally extending link 52 which is disposed for reciprocating movement above the ratchet wheel. The inner end of this link 52 is pivoted to the outer end 0f a piston rod 53 of a longitudinally disposed cylinder and piston unit 54. Outward movement of the piston rod 53 causes the pawl 50 to engage the ratchet wheel 49 and rotate it in a counterclockwise direction. Return movement of the piston rod obviously does not rotate the ratchet wheel. When the ratchet wheel 49 moves in a clockwise direction (Figure 7) it rotates the feed roll 39 in a similar direction through the sprocket and chain drive. The feed roll 39, therefore, drives the roll of waste material in a counterclockwise direction and causes the material to continue to roll up thereon and pulls the stock through the slugforming unit 23. Thus, the unit 4| serves to feed the stock through the unit 23 at proper intervals.

In order to accurately determine the amount of stock fed into the unit 23, the adjustable stop arrangement shown in Figure 1 is provided. The piston rod 53 is attached to a piston 55 which reciprocates in a cylinder 56. 'I'his cylinder 55 is carried -by supports 51 rigidly secured to the shelf 20a. The cylinder and piston unit A54 is of the double-acting type and a piston rod 53 extends from the opposite end of the cylinder. This rod 58, on the return movement of piston 55 will engage a stop pin 59 extending radially from a stop turret 60. This turret 69 Will carry radially extending angularly spaced pins of different lengths and it can be rotated to position any of them in axial alignment with the rod 53. The turret is supported for rotation on the supports 51 and may be iixed in any position to which it is rotated by means of a removable locking pin 6|. Thus, it will be apparent -that the extent of the return movement of the rod 58 is limited by the stop pin 59. This movement can be adjusted readily by rotating the turret 60 to move any selected stop pin 59 in position to be engaged by the rod 58. Limiting the extent of the return movement of the rod 58, obviously, will limit the extent of the feeding movement of the rod 53 and, therefore, will determine the amount of rotation imparted tothe feed roll 39.

The slug-forming unit 23 is illustrated best in Figures l, 2, 3 and 4. As previously indicated, this unit comprises a stationary cutter and a movable cutter or anvil -between which the strip of stock S is fed. Because of the sticky nature of the stock, I use a compression type cutting mechanism. This mechanism includes the lower stationary cutter which is in the form' of a transversely extending cutter die carrying block 65 over which the strip of stock S passes. Above this die block 65 is the transversely extending anvil-carrying block 66 which is disposed above the strip of stock S and is movable downwardly into contact therewith. The cutter block 65 is of heavy construction and rests on the leveling or gauge plates 61 secured to each side of the table by bolts 68. The block 65 supports all of the stock-forming unit 23 and is rigidly bolted in position on the table by means of a bolt 69 at each end of the block which passes downwardly therethrough and through the plates 61 into the main frame of the table.

The .stationary die block 65 is provided with' two rows of sockets for receiving cutter dies, the sockets of one row being staggered relative to those of the other so that maximum use of the area of the strip of stock S and the area of the transfer sheet T will result, as will be clear later. The sockets are shown best in Figures 4 and 13 to 16 where they are indicated by the numeral 19. Each socket 10 receives a tubular cutter die 1|. The lower edge of the die 1| rests on a shoulder 12 in the socket. The upper edge 13 of the die projects upwardly above the block 65 and is sharp. Mounted above the block 65 is a stripping hood 14 which extends downwardly over the forward and rear edges of the block. This hood 14 is of sheet metal and is provided with properly located openings 15 up into which the cutting dies 1| just project when the hood is in its uppermost position (Figure 13). The hood 14 is suspended from anvil block 66 by means of a pair of bolt and spacer units 16 (Figure 3) at each end thereof so as to provide a xed space or throat through which strip S passes. When the hood 14 is in its lowermost position (Figure 15) dies 1| project upwardly therethrough a substantial distance. The return or upward stroke of block 66 will lift the hood 14 and, therefore, will lift the strip S off the upper ends of the dies 1I (Figure 16) l As previously indicated, the block 65 supports all portions of the unit 23. Therefore, this block 65 carries a pair of upstanding standards or posts 11, one of which is disposed at each end of the block and the lower ends of which are xed in sockets 18 formed in the ends of the block, as shown best in Figure 3. Above sockets 18 stop collars 18a are clamped against block 65. Mounted for sliding vertical movement on these posts 11 is the movable cutter or anvil block 68. It will be noted from Figure 3 that each end of the block 66 is provided with a tubular guide bushing 19 through which the post 11 passes. Thus, the block 66 can slide vertically on the posts 11. Contact of bushings 19 with collars 18a determinesv accurately the lowermost position of anvil block 66.

' The anvil block 66 is illustrated best in Figures 3, 4 and 13 to 16. This block is provided with a double row of sockets 89 which are arranged in the same manner as the cutter die receiving sockets 10 in the block 65. Each socket 89 receives an anvil member 8| which may be of tubular form as shown. Each anvil member has a iiange 82 on its lower edge for cooperating with the sharp upper edge 13 of the adjacent cutting die 1|. The ange 82 not only serves as a flat anvil surface for cooperating with the associated cutter edge but also prevents upward movement of the anvil member 8| through the socket during the cutting action.

aar-gen .Midway between-its ends, the anvil block 66 has rigidly attached to it, the lower ends of forward and rearward actuating rods 83. The upper ends of theserods 83, as shown best in Figures`3 and 4, are rigidly connected to a bracket 84 which i's rigidly attached to the lower end of 'a piston rod 86 of the cylinder and piston unit 85. The cylinder 89 of the unit 85 is supported by means of an inverted channel support 81 which extends transversely of the machine and is rigidly carried on the upper ends of the posts 11. yWhen the piston 80 of the 'unit 85 is moved vertically in the cylinder89 thereof, the anvil block member 66 is moved vertically. If the strip of stock S is in the position between the anvil block 66 and the die'block 85 and the piston tu is moved downwardly, the anvil surfaces 15 will press th'e stock against the cutting edges 13 and will form the slugs from the stock. Hood M will be moved upwardly upon upward movement of block'BS and this will strip the edges of the openings inthe stock S from the cutting edges 13 of the cutting dies 1|.

Associated with each of the tubular anvil ment bers 8| is a plunger 90. These plungers 93 are all supported at their upper ends by means of a cross-head 9| which is in the form of an inverted channel. This crosshead extends transversely between the posts 11 and is mounted for vertical movement, as will appear below. Each plunger 90 has its upper vendV yieldingly mounted in the crosshead 9|, as shown best in Figure 4. For this purpose, the upper end of each plunger reduced and is mounted for free vertical movement in -an opening 4in the crosshead, the nut 92 'on the upper end of each plunger preventing it from dropping through the opening in the crosshead. Between the shoulder 93 on each plunger and the crosshead 9| a compression spring 94 is provided in A'surrounding relationship to the plunger and normally urges the plunger downwardly. Y

The lower end of each plunger 90 is provided with an enlarged guide portion 95 which snugly fits in the cooperating tubular anvil member 8| and is freeYY to slide therein. The extreme lower end of each plunger 90 is provided with-a stripping head 91. This stripping head is of triangulaf shape, as shown best in Figure 12, to prevent jamming of the slugs in the circular cutting dies 1|, as will later appear. It will be apparent that in the stripping action, the `plunger head 91 will be 'moved downwardly from within the anvil member 8| and into and through the cooperating cutting die 1I.

The crosshead 9| is provided with a plurality of upstanding .pins 98 rigidly secured thereto intermediate the ends thereof and which are connected to a plate 99 (Figure 4) that is rigidly carried on the lower end of a piston rod 10| v'of a cylinder and piston unit |00. This cylinder and piston unit includes the cylinder |02 and the piston |03 which carries the rod |0|. The cylinder 02 has its upper end rigidly suspended from the channel support 81 by means of depending pins |04 which support a transversely extending plate |05 to which the cylinder |02 is attached. It will be noted from Figures 2, 3 and 4 that the cylinder |02 is-disposed betwen the vertical movable actuating rods 83 which actuate the anvil block 66 and that these rods extend up through plate |05. Also, it will be noted that the transverse plate |05, for supporting the cylinder |02, is Yspaced suiciently below the .support 81 to permit the required downward movement of the 8 bracket 84 when the anvil block 66 moved downwardly. When the piston |03 is moved downwardly into cylinder |02, the crosshead 9| isY moved downwardly which forces all the plungers S0 downwardly. The plungers are guided in their vertical movement by guide collars |06 (Figure 2) carried by brackets secured to the top surface of the anvil block 66 as shown best in Figure 2.

Assuming that the strip of stock S is properly located between the relatively movable cutter members 65 and B6 as shown in Figures 4 and 13 to 16, the slug-forming unit will function as follows: The initial position of the movable anvil block 66 is shown in Figure 4. If the anvil block B6 is now moved downwardly, by downward movement of the piston 88, the stock S is engaged by the flanges 82 of the anvils 8| which will force the stock against the upper cutting edges 13 of the cutting dies 1| as shown in Figure 13. Continued downward movement of member 66 will move anvil anges 82 towards cutting edges 13 compressing the stock therebetween and cutting out the slugs O from the stock and forcing them into the upper ends of the cutting dies 1|, it being understood that the stripping hood 14 will also move downwardly. If the crosshead 9| is now moved downwardly towards block 66, by downward movement of piston |03, the plungers 90 will move downwardly forcing the heads 91 thereof downwardly. This forces the slugs into the upper ends of the cutting dies 1|, as shown in Figure 14. Continued downward movement of the crosshead 9| and the plungers 98 will resuit in the plunger heads moving on downwardly through the dies 1|, as shown in Figure 15, forcing the slugs completely through the d ies and depositing them on a transfer sheet T which is under the slug-forming unit 23 at this time on the conveyor belt 22. At this time the plunger 90 can yield upwardly against the action of f springs 94. The lowermost position of block 'S6 is determined, as previously indicated, by stop collars 18a (Figure 3). If the anvil blockV SS is now moved upwardly by upward movement of piston 88 (Figure 16) the anvils 8| will be raised and the hood 14 will be raised thereby stripping the strip S from the upper ends of dies 1|; If the crosshead 9| is now moved upwardly, by upward movement of piston |03, the plunger heads 91 are withdrawnV from the cutting dies 1| upwardly into anvils 8| to the position shown in Figure 13 and the unit 23 will again be in such condition so that a new section of the strip of stock S can be fed into position for the next slugforrning operation. Thus, the slugs O are cut from the stock S, are stripped from dies 1| and are deposited on the transfer sheet T, and finally the strip of stock S is stripped from the upper ends of the dies if it tends to adhere thereto.

As indicated above and as shown in Figure 12, the head 91 of each plunger is of triangular shape while the cooperating die 1 from which the slug O is to be stripped, is circular. The relative cross-sectional shapes of these members preventsY jamming of the slugs in the dies 1|. During downward movement of each plunger head 91, the slug O is caused to bear on the periphery of the bore of the cutter die 1| at three equidistant points and to be relieved of pressure against the bore between these points. This is 'accomplished because the rubber slug O bends upwardly along each of the sides of the triangular plunger head 91 as it passes through the cutter die. The uncured rubber stock S- which is used in forming the slugs O tends to adhere tothe cutter die bore and will upset and by-pass the plunger head 91 if a round head is used. Therefore, I use a triangularly shaped head as shown. As pointed out above, a compression type of cutter is used and is necessary rather than a shear type because of the adhesive tendencies of the crude rubber. The plunger head 91' must be considerably smaller than the bore of the cutting die 1I, as shown, and it is preferred that the anvil member 8| be of some non-metallic material which has the properties of nylon to prevent undue wearing cf the cutting edge 73 of the cutting die. The material shown is illustrated as a plastic, it being understood that the sleeve is fabricated from homogeneous non-metallic material such as nylon.

Different units 23 can be substituted for the one shown. Various units may be provided for producing slugs of various sizes and shapes, it being understood that in each unit the shapes and sizes of the cutting dies "II, the anvils 8| and the cooperating plungers 90 will vary. To substitute a different unit 23, it is merely necessary to remove the two bolts 69, substitute the new unit 23 and replace bolts 69. As will later appear, some air lines and electric lines will also be disconnected and reconnected in case of substitution of units 23 but provision is also made for this. The leveling and gauge plates 61 can be changed to change the level of unit 23 relative to that of belt 22.

As previously indicated, the transfer sheet T will contain a series of staggered transverse rows of marks M. One of these marks is to be transferred to each slug eventually and for this reason it is desired to deposit each slug formed by unit 23 on one of these marks. The marks are spaced and staggered in the same manner as the cutting dies 'II which form the slugs. As previously indicated, the staggered arrangement of rows is provided so that maximum yield of slugs from the strip S of stock is obtained. The transfer sheet T is preferably of translucent paper or cloth and for timing and indexing purposes it is provided with transverse indexing marks or bands I at one edge thereof. The indexing marks I are printed on the translucent sheet T with opaque ink on the top surface where the trademarks are printed. With this arrangement of the indexing marks I, the sheet can pass into association with a photoelectric relay device IIO (Figures 3 to 6) for setting up operation of the unit 23. However, the transfer sheet need not be translucent because the photorelay unit IIO is controlled by reected light from the transfer sheet. The indexing marks can be printed on its lower surface if sheet T is opaque.

The transfer sheet T, as shown in Figure 2, will be placed on the belt 22 at the forward side of the machine and under the roll of waste material on the mandrel 3B. The moving belt 22 will carry the transfer sheet under the die block 65 of the unit 23. It will be noted from Figure 6 that directly beneath the die block 65 is a heavy inverted channel I I I for receiving the thrust ex erted by the plungers 90 when they force the slugs from the cutting dies 'II onto the transfer sheet T, it being understood that the belt 22 will receive considerable pressure from the plungers. However, this pressure will be taken by the member I I I which will be directly below the top portion of the endless belt 22. To reduce friction and to prevent undue wear on the lower surface of the belt 22, the top surface of member III is covered with a thin, smooth guard plate H2 which extends over the lsharp forward and rearward corner edges of the member III.

The photoelectric relay unit III) has associated with it a light source I I3 which is disposed directly below member I I I. The light from this source shines upwardly through a slot Ils in the one end of member I I I and through an aligning slot in the guard member II2. These slots are disposed just outside of the one edge of the belt 22 and the light from the source H3 will shine on a backing plate I I5 attached to the lower surface of one of the plates 61 which extends inwardly over the adjacent edge of the belt 22, as shown in Figure 5. The upper plate 57i at the other side of the machine will also extend inwardly but will not have backing II5 thereon. This backing l plate I I5 is preferably formed of a white phenolic vand piston unit |00.

resin which has approximately the same light reflecting properties as the transfer sheet itself. The transfer sheet T is wider than the belt 22 and extends beyond its side edges. The light beam will shine through the edge of the transfer sheet, upon which the indexing marks I are printed, and will be interrupted by such marks. Because the backing plate I I5 is of substantially the same reflecting property as the transfer sheet, the photorelay unit IIO will be prevented from operating as the rear or trailing edge of the sheet T passes through the light beam. In other words, only the indexing marks I will interrupt the light beam from the source II3.

The relay unit IIO is adapted to actuate a transfer sheet clamping unit II6 which is shown best in Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6. This unit comprises the clamping fingers III which are substantially horizontally disposed just outside each side edge of the belt 22 as shown best in Figure 3. Each finger I II is keyed on a shaft I I3 rockably mounted at the forward side of the channel member III in lugs IIIa. The fingers III extend rearwardly to points beyond the forward edge of die block 65, as shown in Figure 6. The finger II'I at that side where the photoelectric relay unit IIO is disposed is provided with a rigid arm H9 extending downwardly and rearwardly from the shaft IIS. This arm H5 is pivotally connected at |20 to the core of a solenoid I2I which functions with the unit I I0. When the solenoid I2I is energized, the arm IIS is pulled upwardly which will rock the shaft i it and swing the two fingers III upwardly causing them to lift the side edges of the transfer sheet T slightly and clamp said edges against the lower surfaces of the two inwardly extending plates Si'. Thus, the transfer sheet will be clamped in position beneath the die block 55 and the belt 2:?. can continue to move on forwardly beneath the transfer sheet. Clamping of the sheet T in position ensures that the marks M on the transfer sheet will be positively and accurately located below the member 65 so that each slug formed during the subsequent slug-forming operation will be deposited on one of the marks lvl.

As previously indicated, the machine is cene trolled by a combined fluid and electric control system. This system is illustrated diagrammatically in Figure 17.

The fluid system is shown as a pneumatic system and includes the stock-feeding cylinder and piston unit 54, the anvil moving cylinder and piston unit and the plunger moving cylinder The unit 5t is controlled by a valve 54a, the unit 85 by a valve 35a, and the unit |00 by a valve I00a. These valves are of the usual type and are shown diagrammatically.

Air lines |25 and |26 lead fromv the opposed ends of the valve 54a' to the correspor'iding ends of the cylinder 56 oi unit 54; line |21`and |26 connect the corresponding ends of the valve 85a with the cylinder B9 of unit 85; and lines |29 and |30 connect the ends of valve |6811 to the corresponding ends of the cylinder l|02 of unit |03. An air supply line |3| connect-s to the valve 54a intermediate its ends Iand similarly the supply lines |32 and |33 connect to the valves |6611. and 85a, respectively. The line |33 is the main air supply line leading from a suitable source and preferably has connected therein a filter |34 and a lubricator |35. The lines |3| and |32 branch from the main line |33 and are preferably controlled by pressure-reducing valve and gauge units |36 and |31, respectively. In one position of each of the valves, 56a, 85a and |0611, air will be supplied to one end of the cylinder which it controls and in the other position of the valve air will be supplied to the opposite end of the cylinder which it controls, it being understood that in each instance the opposed end of the cylinder will be` vented by the valve in the usual manner.

The electric system includes the main drive motor 3|, the photoelectric relay unit H6, the light source ||3 and the solenoid |2| previously mentioned. As shown in Figure 1'1, this circuit includes the main lines |40 and I4| which connectto a suitable sorurce of power. A suitable starting relay |42 is connected between the lines |49 and |'4|.l A normally open push-button |63 is provided at a starting lstation on the machine and is connected to the starting relay while a normally closed push-button |44 is provided at a stop station on the machine and is Connected to the starting relay. A pilot light |65 is connected in the starting relay circuit to indicate when the machine has been started. A transformer |46 is provided to supply the light source H3 with suitable voltage. The primary of this transformer is connected by line |41 to the main line |40 and by line |48 to aline |49 which connect with the main line 14|. The secondary of this transformer is connected in a line |66 in which the light source 1i|3 is connected. The coil of the solenoid |2| of the transfer sheet clamping unit ||6 has one side connected to the main line |40 by a line |56 and its opposite side connected by a line to the main line |4|. The photoelectric unit ||0 is a special type of unit which operates on the rate of change of light and not on the quantity of light. The unit ||6 includes the photocell il|3a which is connected to the line |46 by a line |52 and which is also connected to a timing device- |53. rThis timing device, which forms a part of the unit i6, opens the relay switch |54 a fraction of a second after the circuit is made at this switch. rlhe timing device |53 is connected to the coil of relay switch |54 and the coil is connected to the main line |41 by a line |55. The switch! |54 controls the line '1|,5| which connects to4 the coil of solenoid |2|. The line |49 connects to the main line |4| and to one side of a normally closed feed switch |51, and also connects to one side of a normally open feed switch |56 by a branch |49c. The switches |56 and |51 'are controlled by the same plunger |58. The switches |56 and |51 are ydisposed adjacent the stock-feed unit 4| and the push-button |58 is engaged by a nger 52a (Figure '1 carried by a link 52, at the end of the feed stroke of the piston 55 of the cylinder and piston unit 54. Theopposite side offswitch l2 |56 is connected by line |58 to switch arm |66 which may be swung between contact points |6| and |62. As will later appear, when arm |60 is in contact with point |6I, the machine will be set for automatic operation While when it is in contact with point |62, the machine is set for hand operation. The point |6| is connected to a line |63 and the point |62 is connected by a line l|64 through a normally open push-button jog switch |65 to line |63. The line |63 connects with one side of the coil of the solenoid |66 which controls the valve 85a to impart downward movement to the piston 63 of the anvil-moving cylinder and piston unit 65. The other side of this coil of solenoid |66 is connected by line |61 to the main line |49. A line |68 leads from the other side of the feed switch |51 and connects to one side of a normally open switch |69, it being noted that the line |66 is also connected to line |5| by a branch .i 10. The opposite side of the switch |69 Ais connected by line |1| to one side of the coil of a solenoid |12 which controls valve 54a to impart return movement to piston 55 of the stock-feeding cylinder and piston unit 54. The opposite side of this coil or solenoid |12 is connected by line |13 to the main line |46. Branching from the line |1| is a line |16 which connects to one side of the coil of the solenoid |15 which controls valve |80a to actuate plunger-moving cylinder and piston unit 00 to cause downward movement of the piston |03 thereof. The opposite side of this coil of solenoid |15 is connected by line |16 to the main line |40. The normally open switch |69 is actuated by a plunger |11 which is engaged by an arm |18, mechanically connected to the anvilmoving piston 88, when such piston is in its lowermost position. This piston 88 also has an arm |19 mechanically connected thereto which engages a plunger |89 when the piston 88 reaches its uppermost position. This plunger |66 controls a normally open switch |8|. One side of this switch |8| is connected by a line |62 to the main line |4| while the opposite side is connected by aline |83 to a line |64. This line |84 connects one side of the coil of solenoid |85 to one side of a switch |86 while the other side of this coil is connected by line |81 to the main line |40. The solenoid |85 actuates valve |00a to move upwardly the piston |03 of the stripping plunger-moving cylinder and piston unit |00. The switch |86 is normally open but is actuated by a plunger |88 which is engaged by an arm |89, mechanically connected to piston |63, when the piston reaches its uppermost position. The opposite side of this switch |86 is connected by the line |90 to one side oi the coil of the solenoid |9| which controls valve 54a to produce the feed stroke of the piston 55 of the cylinder and piston unit 54. The opposite side of the coil of solenoid |9| is connected by line |92 to the main line |40. The stripping plunger-moving piston |03 also has mechanically connected to it an arm |93 which engages a plunger |94 of a normally open switch |95, the plunger |94 being engaged when piston |63 reaches its lowermost position. One side of the switch |95 is connected by a line |96 to the main line |4|. The other side of the switch is connected by line |91 to the coil of a solenoid |98 which actuates valve 35a to control the anvil-moving Cylinder and piston unit 65 so as to cause piston 88 thereof to move upwardly. The other side of the coil of solenoid |96 is connected by the line |99 to the main line |46. One side of themotor3| is connected by line 260 13 A to the main line |40 while the other side is connected by line 20| to the main line I4 I. A motor control switch 202 is provided in the line 20| and is normally closed during operation of the machine.

As indicated above, the normally open switches |69 and ISI are actuated by movement of the piston 88 while the normally open switches |86 and |95 are actuated by movement of the piston |03. All of these switches are supported on the lunit 23 of the machine by means of a bracket 205 which suspends them from the channel support 81. The mechanical means for actuating these switches is lillustrated best in Figures 3 and 8 to 11, inclusive. As previously indicated, the arms |18 and |19, which actuate switches |69 and |6|, respectively, are connected for movement with the piston 68 of unit 85. The arms |18 and |19 are carried at different levels on Ia vertically disposed rod 206 which is rigidly carried by a horizontal arm 206a that is fastened to the bracket 84 which is attached to the piston rod 86. The arm |18 is disposed Iabove the switch |69 and is provided with an adjustable button 201 that is directly above the plunger |11 of the switch. The arm |19 is disposed below the switch |8I and is provided with an adjustable button 286 which engages the plunger of such switch. The arms |89 and |93, which actuate the switches |86 and |95, respectively, are carried at different levels on a rod 209 which is secured to the crosshead 9| and extends upwardly therefrom. The arm |93 is provided with an adjustable button 2|0 which is directly over the plunger |94 of switch |95 while the arm |89 carries an adjustable button 2| which is directly under the plunger |88 of the switch |86.

With the pistons 88 and, |03 in their uppermost positions, the various switch-actuating arms are in the positions shown in Figure 9 to close switches |8| and |86 and to permit the switches |69 and |95 to remain open. When the anvil piston 88 moves downwardly, the arm |19 moves downwardly and permits switch I8| to open while the arm |18 moves downwardly and closes switch |69, as shown -in Figure 10. When the plunger piston |03 moves downwardly subsequently, the arm |89 moves downwardly and opens switch |86 while the arm |93 moves downwardly and closes switch |95, as shown in Figure 11. When the :plunger piston |03 next moves upwardly, it permits opening of switch |95 and causes closing of switch |86. Upward movement of the anvil piston 88 then causes opening of switch |69 and then closing of switch |8|. Thus, the four control switches |69, I8|, l|86 and |95 are operative at proper intervals during the operation of the slug-forming unit 23. The feed switches |56 and |51, associated with stock-feeding unit 4|, are actuated at proper intervals in timed relationship to the other four switches by means of the nger 52a.

As previously indicated, the head or unit 23 can be removed merely by removing the two bolts 69. -The air lines |21, |28, |29 and |30 will be disconnected at the couplings |21a, |2851., |290@ and |38a, respectively. The electric lines running to the switches |69, |8I, |86 and |95 on the unit 23 will be in a cable `2I|| which will be provided with a disconnect plug 2 I5.

In describing the operation of the machine with particular reference to Figure 1'1, the following conditions will be assumed:

1. The selector switch |60 is set for automatic operation.

2. The cutter anvil piston 88 is at its uppermost position.

3. The plunger piston |03 is at its uppermost position.

4. The feed piston 55 is at the extreme end of its feed stroke.

Under these conditions the positions of the various control switches will be as follows:

Normally open feed switch |56 will be closed.

Normally closed feed switch |51 will be open.

Normally open cutter anvil switch |8| will be closed.

Normally open cutter anvil switch |69 will be open.

Normally open plunger switch |86 will be closed.

Normally open plunger switch |95 will be open.

Assuming also that the machine has been started by proper actuation of starting button |43 and starting relay |42 and by operation of switch 202 which starts the conveyor 2|, if a sheet T of the transfer paper is placed on the belt 22 at the forward side of the machine, it will be carried beneath the unit 23 by the moving belt. The sheet will pass through the photoelectric relay scanning head light beam of unit I0, which is reflected back to the photocell I |30l by the sheet and the backing plate ||5 (Figure 5), until an index mark I thereon interrupts the beam which will actuate the sheet-clamping unit ||6 to act as shown in Figures 5 and 6 to clamp the edges of the sheet T so as to hold the sheet in xed position relative to unit -23 'while the belt 22 continues to move on beneath it. The sheet T will be held by the action of said relay and the holding solenoid I2| for the period of time delay of the relay unit ||9 provided by time delay unit |58. The down cutter anvil solenoid |66 is energized when the starting relay |42 is closed, and is not affected by photorelay switch |54, through the closed feed switch |56, the circuit being from main line |4I, through line |49, line |4911, switch |56, line |59, switch |60, line |63, the coil of solenoid |66, line |61, to main line |40. This actuates valve a. and causes piston 88 of unit 85 to move downwardly. This moves the anvil block 66 downwardly cutting the slugs O from the sheet -S of material which has been previously fed into proper position between the anvil block 66 and the cutter die block 65. Downward movement of piston 88 causes the arm |18 to close switch |69 and moves arm |19 away from switch |8| to permit it toopen. Closing the switch |69 energizes the down plunger solenoid |15 through the following circuit: from main line |40 through line |16, the coil of solenoid |15, line |14, line |1|, switch |69, line |68, line |10, and through line 5| and photoelectric relay switch |54 to main line IM. The same circuit also energizes the return feed valve solenoid |12 through line |1|, the coil of solenoid |12 and line |13 which connects to line |48. Energizing the solenoid |15 actuates valve |0911 to move piston |03 of unit |00 downwardly thereby moving the plungers 90 downwardly through the cutting dies 1| and stripping the slugs O therefrom. As previously indicated, the plungers will deposit the slugs O on the marks M of the transfer sheet and will press the sheet against the belt '22, this pressure causing the belt to stop for a certain period sumcient to permit the controls to function to move the plungers upwardly as will be explained below. Energizing the solenoid |12 actuates valve 54a to move the piston 55 of unit 54 to the right (Figure 17) where it is in position for another I feeding stroke. Movementof' this piston 5,5 to the right opens the switch |58 and closes the switch |51f. Thisv` switch |51 closesa circuit parallel to the photoelectric relay circuit thereby maintaining this circuit when the time delay unit |53 opens the photoelectric relay circuit. This parallel circuit is from switch |59, through line |58, switch |51, line |49, tov line Ml. Thus, reliable high speed operation is obtained independent of the time cycle since the photorelay switch |54 opens after a time delay but the circuit is maintained by means of the normally closed feed switch (|51) circuit which parallels the photorelay circuit. The open feed switch |58 breaks the circuit to the down anvil cutter solenoid Itv until the completion of the feed stroke of piston 55. Thus, downward movement of the anvil is prevented until a new supply of stock is fed under the anvil block 5,5. As the plungermoving piston |53, and, therefore, the plungers 99, reach their lowerrnost positions, the switch |95 is closed by downwardly moving arm |58 completing a circuit to the up cutter anvil solenoid |98 from main line Mi, line |95, switch |95, line |9'|, the coil of solenoid |93 and through line |99 to main line |42). This actuates valve 3.50. to move the piston 88 of the anvil moving unit t5 upwardly and arm |18 now permits switch |69 to open and arm |19 now closes switch lill. Closing the switch |8| energizes the up plunger solenoid |85 by means of line |52 from main line |15 switch 58|, line |83, line Hit, the coil of solenoid |85, and line |81 to line |40. Energizing the up plunger solenoid |85 actuates valve leila to move the plunger piston |03 upwardly. This causes upward movement of arms |89 and |93 which closes switch |88 and opens switch it. Closing switch |86 energizes the feed solenoid 19| through the cutter anvil switches |2i| and the plunger switch |85. This is done by a series circuit from main line |40, the coil of feed solenoid mi, line |90, switch |85, line |86?, line |83, switch |8l, line |82, to main line MI. This series circuit is only energized, however, when anvil cutter switch is closed which, is after the piston 88 reaches its uppermost position. This series circuit prevents the material being fed by the feed stroke of piston 55 of unit 54 until both the anvil cutter piston 88 and the plunger piston |03 are in their uppermost positions. Thus, the cutter anvils Bil and the plungers 98 will be clear of the feed path of the strip of stock which is fed when solenoid |9| is energized to actuate valve 5ta so as. to cause piston 55 to move in the feeding direction to actuate stock-feeding unit 4|, presenting a new supply of stock below anvil block 6B. At the end of the feed stroke of the piston 55, the switch |56 is closed which energizes down cutter anvil solenoid |66. This causes downward movement of the anvils 8| which cut out slugs O from strip S and load them into the mouth of cutting dies 1| preparatory to their being stripped onto the transfer sheet T when the plungers 9|) are triggered by photorelay unit Htl, the switch |5 also being opened and this breaking the circuitthrough lines |68, Ht, and |5| to the transfer sheet clamping solenoid |2l. This releases the transfer sheet so that it can move on with the moving belt 22 until its next index mark M moves into association with photorelay unit ||9 and will trigger the photoelectric circuit so as to again set up the machine for the next operating cycle which will be initiated automatically. At this time the transfer sheet T will again be clamped by unit H6 with the next two rows of 1'6 marks-M in positiontq. receive the, two, rows of slugs O tor be formed in the next slug-forming operation.

The selector switch can be set for hand operation by moving it into contact with point |62. Then, if the jog button is pressed within the time delay period created by unit |53 of the photoelectric unit I8, the cycle of operation of the machine will be started. Solenoid |68 is energized when the jog button |65 is closed.

To stop the machine it is merely necessary to push button |43..

When the transfer sheet, is completely filled with slugs and the sheet passes rearwardly from the unit 23, the sheet. may be transferred to another machine where further operations are performed in forming the patches.

It will be apparent from thel above that I have provided a machine which will effectively cut slugs from a strip of stock and properly position them on transfer sheets with marks printed thereon for transfer to the slugs. The machine is capable of handling the sticky,v heavy, uncured rubber stock which is very diicult to handle. In fact the machine uses the adhesive nature of the material to advantage in the operation and control of the machine. This is especially true in the feeding of the stock to the slug-forming unit and in the pressing of the transfer sheet against the conveyor belt by the plungers to interrupt movement of such belt. The machine, when so set, is automatic in operation and the timing and indexing of the machine is determined by the particular transfer sheet being used. This. makes the machine readily adaptable to the forming of different sizes and shapes of slugs. The stock is in roll form when fed into the machine and the waste or scrap material isy saved in roll form. Furthermore, the cuttingl dies and anvils are so arranged that maximum use of the area of the strip of stool: is obtained.

Various other advantages will be apparent.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. A machine for forming slugs or the like from a strip of materiall and arranging them in predetermined order on a receiver sheet having indexing marks thereon which comprises a slugforming unit, a conveyor for conducting the receiver sheet into association with said unit, means for feeding the strip of material into association with said unit, and control means actuated by movement of the sheet on said conveyor into association with said unit for controlling operation of said unit and said material-feeding means, said control means including a photoelectric relay unit actuated by said indexing marks as the sheet is moved into association therewith bythe conveyor, means for normally driving the conveyor continuously, said driving means including a yieldable driving unit for interrupting movement of said conveyor for a limited period while the slugs are being arranged thereon, clamping means associated with said unit for clamping the receiver sheet in fixed position relative to said unit, said clamping means also being actuated4 by said control means, said conveyor including a belt, said receiver sheet being wider than the belt and extending beyond each edge thereof with the indexing marks on one of the extending edges, said photoelectric relay unit including a light source giving a beam interrupted by said indexing marks.

2. A machine according to claim 1 wherein reflecting means is providedfor reflectingthe beam 17 to the photocell of said photoelectric unit, said reflecting means having substantially the same light reflective qualities as said receiver sheet.

3. A machine according to claim 2 wherein said clamping means includes clamping members which engage the extending edges of said sheet and lift it slightly from the belt to permit continued movement of the belt without the sheet.

4. A machine for forming slugs or the like from a strip of relatively heavy sticky stock and depositing them on a transfer sheet having marks upon which each slug is to be deposited, which comprises a frame, a horizontally disposed conveyor on said frame and including an endless belt, driving means for normally driving said belt continuously, a slug-forming unit supported by said frame and disposed transversely above the conveyor belt, said slug-forming unit including relatively movable cutter members between which the strip cf stoel; is fed, means for feeding the stock intermittently into said unit, said transfer sheet being carried by the conveyor into said unit, and control means actuated by movement oi the transfer sheet into said unit for controlling operation of said unit and said stockfeeding means.

5. A machine according to claim e wherein the cutter members of said slug-forming unit include a stationary die block which will be below the strip of stock and a downwardly movable anvil block which will be above the stock, said die block having a series of dies, said transfer sheet having the marks thereon arranged in the same manner as the dies in said block, said conveyor belt extending below said die block to carry the transfer sheet therebeneath.

6. A machine according to claim 5. wherein said slug-forming unit includes vertically movable plungers for stripping the slugs from the dies and depositing them on said transfer sheet and wherein said belt-driving means includes a yieldable clutch which permits said belt to stop for a limited period while the slugs are being deposited on said transfer sheet by said plungers.

7. A machine for forming slugs or the like from a strip of relatively heavy sticky stock. and depositing them on a transfer sheet having marks upon which each slug is to be deposited, which comprises a frame, a horizontally disposed conveyor on said frame and including an endless belt.

driving means for normally driving said belt continuously, a slug-forming unit supported by said frame disposed transversely above the conveyor belt, said slug-forming unit including relatively movable cutter members between which the strip of stock is fed, means for feeding the stock intermittently into said unit, said cutter members including a stationary die block which will be below the strip of stock and a downwardly movable anvil block which will be above the stock, said die block having a series of dies, said transfer sheet being carried by the conveyor into said unit and having the marks thereon arranged in the same manner as the dies in said block, said conveyor belt extending below die block to carry the transfer sheet therebeneath, control means actuated by movement of the transfer sheet into said unit for controlling operation of said unit and said stock-feeding means, said slug-forming unit including vertically movable plungers for stripping the slugs from the dies and depositing them on transfer sheet, said belt-driving means including a yieldable clutch which permits said belt to stop for a limited period while the slugs are being deposited on said transfer sheet by said plungers, said belt being of less width than said transfer sheet so that the sheet extends beyond both side edges of the belt, and a clamping unit for clamping said sheet in fixed position beneath the dieblocl: of said slug-forming unit, said clamping unit including clamping members which engage the extending edges of said sheet lift it slightly from the belt to permit continued movement of the belt underneath the sheet, said clamping unit being also controlled by said control means.

8. A machine according to claim 7 wherein the transfer sheet has indexing marks on one of the extending edges thereof, said control means including a photoelectric relay unit having a light source which projects a beam onto said edge of said sheet and which will be broken by said indexing marks to actuate said photoelectric unit.

9. A machine according to claim 8 wherein reflecting means is provided for reflecting the beam to the photocell of said photoelectric unit, said reflecting means having substantially the same light reflective qualities as said transfer sheet.

l0. A machine according to claim 9 wherein said slug-forming unit includes a duid-actuated cylinder and piston unit for moving the anvil block vertically, an independent fluid-actuated cylinder and piston unit for moving said stripping plungers relative to said anvil block, said control means including electromagnetic valves for controlling said cylinder and piston units.

l1. A machine according to claim l0 wherein the stock-feeding means includes a driven roller disposed beyond the slug-forming unit, an overriding clutch intermittently actuated to drive said roller, and a huid-actuated cylinder and piston unit for actuating said clutch, said control means including an electromagnetic valve for controlling said cylinder and piston unit.

l2. A machine according to claim ll wherein said huid-actuated cylinder and piston unit has adjustable stop means for positively limiting the feeding stroke of the piston of said unit.

13. A machine according t0 claim 12 wherein said electromagnetic valves are controlled by switches associated with said cylinder and piston units and mechanically actuated by movement of the pistons of said units.

14. A machine according to claim 13 wherein all of said switches are connected operatively with said photoelectric relay unit and wherein said photoelectric relay unit includes a time delay means which reopens said relay a definite period after actuation thereof.

15. A machine according to claim l1 wherein said control means comprises an electric circuit in which said photoelectric relay unit is connected, said clamping unit including a solenoid connected in the circuit and controlled by said photoelectric relay unit, said photoelectric relay unit including a time delay means for controlling the relay thereof, an electromagnetic valve for controlling said cylinder and piston unit which moves said anvil block, an electromagnetic valve for controlling said cylinder and piston unit which moves said stripping plungers, a pair of control switches connected in said circuit and actuated by movement of the piston of said stock-feeding unit, a pair of control switches connested in said circuit and actuated by movement of the piston of said anvil block moving unit, and a pair of control switches connected in sa'id 19 circuit and. actuated by movement of thepiston of said plunger moving unit.

16. A machine according to claim 15 wherein said .i electromagnetic valve vfor controlling the stock-feed cylinder and piston unit comprises a .feed .solenoid and a return solenoid connected `in said circuit, said electromagnetic valveA for controlling the anvil block moving cylinder and pistonv unit comprising an up solenoid and a down solenoid connected in said. circuit; and said electromagnetic valve -.for controlling the plunger moving cylinder and piston unit comprising an upsolenoid and a down solenoid. connected in said circuit.

17. A machine according to claim 16 wherein the two switches actuated by the piston of the stock-feeding unit comprise a normally open feed switch and anormally closedfeed switch, the

two switches actuated bythe piston of said anvil block moving unit are normally open, andthe two switches .actuated-by movement. of `lthe .plunger moving piston are normally open.

. 18. A machine according to claim 17 wherein Atherclamping unitk solenoid and the relayswitch of..thephotoelectric relay unity are connected in .series to opposite sides-of the circuit; the'photo- -cell, thetime delay means and the relay coil of the photoelectric relay unit are connected in -series to the opposite sides of the circuit; the down anvilsolenoid and. the normally open feed switch are connected in series to opposite sides of the` circuit, the normally open feed switch also being connected to said normally closedfeed switch; the return solenoid of the feed piston valve, the switch actuated by downward movementof the anvil piston, and the normally closed L feed switch .being connected rin seriesY to opposite sidesof the circuit;. the feed solenoid of :the feed vpiston valve, the switch,y actuated by upward .movement .of the plunger piston and thel up vkplunger solenoid being connected in series to one side of the circuit and to the other side of the circuit by a connection through the switch actuated by upward movement of the anvil piston;

.the down plunger solenoid being connected to feed switch andsaiddown anvil solenoid for setting the circuit'. so that the machine will be automatic or hand operated, said switch vincluding a push-button for hand operation.

References Cited in the le of this patent `UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 64,197 Clark Apr. 30, 1867 1,161,850 Dixon Nov.' 30, 1915 1,859,785 Messinger May 24, 1932 2,047,221 Pechy July 14, 1936 2,155,578 Anderson Apr. 25, 1939 2,360,275 Rau 'Oct. 10, 1944 2,408,438 Sorensen Oct. 1,1946 

